Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15,984, Edward Downs, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Downs, Edward
N 15,984
Bixby, Rhoda
(Former widow)
CONTENTS
This woman's second husband, Thomas Bixby also served in the Revolution. (See papers within.)

3611
2
Concord N Hamp Rhoda Bishop, formerly widow of Edward Howland decd.
who died on the 14 th of March 1799 of Hillsborough in the State of N. Y. who was a P te Sgt V t in the Am y commanded by Captain Mac of the Regt o commanded by Col d Brooks in the Mass s line for 10 days P te 5 most 17 days Sgt March 7 days P te
Inscribed on the Roll of Concord MS at the rate of 45 Dollars 71 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 nd day of Sept 1841 and sent William Ellis, Needham Mass
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1841 $479.95 Semi-annual allowance ending March 42 22.85
$ 502.80
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 d }
Recorded by William A. Davis Clerk, Book 56 Vol. 1st Page 22

Sixty

To whom it may concern
I Oliver Downs of Canton in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts being in the seventy sixth year of my age, hereby testify and say, that during the Revolutionary War, I well remember, and was personally acquainted with Edward Downs, formerly of that part of Stoughton (which is now Canton Mass tt ), and late of Francestown in the State of New Hampshire dec d , That according to my best recollection and belief on a call for men to go into the military service of the Country, the said Edward Downs left said Stoughton in the month of November or December in the second year of said War A.D. 1776, and performed military duty for a short time on Castle Island below Boston, (now called Fort Independence) that the reasons why I have this knowledge of said military service are as follows; - That I clearly and distinctly recollect on the occasion aforesaid, I went with the said Edward Downs in a carriage from said Stoughton to a place or House near Dorchester Point where the ferry way is, to cross over to said Castle Island, and left the said Edward Downs at this place at or near Dorchester Point, and that I returned home to said Stoughton alone; with said Down's horse and carriage on the evening of the same day, and I further remember also, that said Edward Downs and others at that time, mentioned about going over to Castle Island for a guard or Soldier's duty. Also, that I clearly recollect, there were quite a number of men assembled at this place where I left the said Edward Downs, and I am positive that Capt. Robert Swan of said Stoughton, whom I well knew at that time, was one among the body of men assembled at said Place at Dorchester Point on the occasion aforesaid; whether this body of men went over to Castle Island the night I left them, I cannot say; my impression is, they talked of remaining at the quarters where they assembled; for the night; and going over to Castle Island the next morning. one other circumstance brings this subject to my memory, it is fresh in my recollection, (being then a boy) I saw a particular kind of Ducks, I had never seen before, at or near the spot where I left said Edward Downs and the other men assembled, which much attracted my notice and attention. That occasionally since the year 1776; and once within the last two months, I have passed by the place at Dorchester Point above mentioned, and when I have so passed; some of the transactions above related, have then occurred to my mind. what term of service said Edward Downs or others of said body of men, rendered at Castle Island in this tour of 1776. I do not recollect, if I ever was informed -.
Oliver Downs
State of Massachusetts Norfolk County ss
September 14 th A.D. 1841. Then the above named Oliver Downs, a man of sound mind and memory and long known to the subscriber as a credible Witness, subscribed to, and made Oath, that the matter set forth in the foregoing Statement by him so subscribed is true -.
Before me W m Gellis Justice of Peace

Application of Rhoda Bisby for a Pension Under the U.S. Act of July 4 th 1836.
No 5341
N. H.
Please to report the result of this application to the subscriber at Dedham Mass
Yours Wm. Glis

State of New Hampshire County of Hillsborough S.S.
On this third day of March A.D. 1841, personally appeared Rhoda Bixby before Luke Woodbury Judge of the Court of Probate in and for said County of Hillsborough, Rhoda Bixby a resident of Francestown in said County aged seventy seven years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her Oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the third Section of the Act of Congress, passed July 4 th 1836. entitled, "An Act Granting half pay to Widows or Orphans, where their husbands, and fathers have died of wounds received in the military service of the United States, in certain cases; and for other purposes".
Viz. I Rhoda Bixby of Francestown in the County of Hillsborough and State of New Hampshire being seventy seven years of age, hereby declare and say, that I am the widow of Thomas Bixby (my second husband) to whom I was lawfully married in the month of January A.D. 1807, who died at said Francestown on the third day of January A.D. 1827, and who I believe rendered more than a year's military service in the Revolutionary War in the line of a three year's man. And I further declare and say that my first husband was Edward Downs formerly of that part of Houghton (now Canton) in the State of Massachusetts, and late of said Francestown dec d . That I was the Widow of said Edward Downs from the time of his death March 14 th 1799, till my marriage to said Thomas Bixby as aforesaid, — That he the said Edward Downs my first husband also rendered military services to the United States in the Revolutionary War, which according to my own recollection, the statements of said Downs in his life time, and the best evidence within my knowledge were performed as follows.
Viz — Three and a half month's service as Sergeant in Capt James Endicott's Company of minute Men at Cambridge, Charlestown, Roxbury and Dorchester Heights, from all the information I have been able to obtain, it appears that said Capt Endicott's minute Company was in service at the Lexington alarm and at several periods in the Summer and Autumn of the year 1775, at that its last term was at Dorchester Hill in the month of February or March A.D. 1776, that having no Rolls, I have been unable to determine what amount of service said Edward Downs rendered in said minute Company during the first eleven months of said War, but am satisfied that the first term of this service began April 19 th 1775. and that its last term ended on or about, the 17 th of March A.D. 1776. — not wishing to claim for more service than was actually rendered I have stated it at three and a half months, in said Capt. Endicott's minute Company, trusting however, that if further evidence to establish more service than is claimed in this tour, should transpire in the examination of my case, it will be considered in my favor.
Also Five months service as Ensign at Cambridge near Boston to guard the troops of General Burgoyne, prisoners of war at that place, it is believed in the Regiment of Col. William McIntosh or that of Col. Eleazer Brooks, That this service began towards the last of November A.D. 1777, and ended near the first of May A.D. 1778.

Endicotts minute company was in service at the Lexington alarm and at several periods in the Summer and Autumn of the year 1775, at that its last term was at Dorchester Hill in the month of February or March A.D. 1776, that having no Rolls, I have been unable to determine what amount of service said Edward Downs rendered in said minute Company during the first eleven months of said War, but am satisfied that the first term of this service began April 19 th 1775, and that its last term ended on or about, the 17 th of March A.D. 1776, not wishing to claim for more service than was actually rendered I have stated it at three and a half months, in said Capt. Endicotts minute Company, trusting however, that if further Evidence to establish more service than is claimed in this tour, should transpire in the examination of my case, it will be considered in my favor.
Also Five months service as Ensign at Cambridge near Boston to guard the troops of General Burgoyne, prisoners of War at that place, it is believed in the Regiment of Col. William McIntosh or that of Col. Eleazer Brooks, That this service began towards the last of November A.D. 1777, and ended near the first of May A.D. 1778.
Also One and a half months service as First or Second Lieutenant at Nantasket below Fort Independence at Massachusetts Bay, under a commanding Officer by the name of Basler or Beals and Under the direction of Col. John Ashley, That this service began near the last of September A.D. 1782, and ended about the middle of November the same year, I more distinctly remember this last term of service, as it was rendered after my marriage to said Edward Downs, my first husband.
That I have been several years, been making efforts to bring this my claim before the U.S. Pension Department, but residing in another State, and near a hundred miles distant, from the Town where my said husband resided, at the time the said services were rendered and from where Evidence was to be procured to sustain my case, has prevented my application till now.
That I believe the said Edward Downs my first husband, performed the aforesaid military services, as a Volunteer, and never received any Pension or Gratuity from the United States nor from any State, That he never had any permanent residence or home, but within the aforesaid Towns of Houghton and Framestown, and that I have no other documents or proofs in my possession to offer in aid of my claim, but those herewith transmitted.
And I the said Rhoda Bixby further declare and say, that my maiden name was Rhoda Billings, that I was lawfully married to said Edward Downs my first husband, on the ninth day of March A.D. 1780, at said town of Houghton, and that he, the said Edward Downs, died at Framestown aforesaid, on the fourteenth day of March A.D. 1799, and that I remained his widow till my marriage to said Thomas Bixby as above stated, all of which will more fully appear, by the proofs herewith transmitted.
Rhoda Bixby
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written before me
Luke Woodbury Judge as aforesaid. I hereby certify that the words "were" and "was" are interlined and the name "Rhoda Bixby" was used before signing
Luke Woodbury Judge as aforesaid

I hereby certify that the cause of requesting the within declaration out of Court is, that the said Rhoda Bisby, the applicant is unable, by reason of bodily infirmities to attend Court without great inconvenience and exposure of her health.
Luther Woodbury } Judge of the } within named } Court of Probate
Application of Rhoda Bisby for a Pension under the Act of July 4 th 1836
No 5341
N. H.
Plan to report the result of this application to the subscribers at Dedham Mass 4 th
Wm G. Ellis

State of New Hampshire. Hillsborough S.S. County
I Perley Dorr Clerk of the Superior Court of Jurisdiction of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Luke Woodbury Esquire is Judge of the Court of Probate of Wills & within and for the County of Hillsborough aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified, that said Court of Probate is a Court of Record; and that the signature of the said Luke Woodbury to the paper herunto annexed is his genuine signature.
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court This twenty second day of March, 1841. Perley Dorr Clerk.

Top of Page "154" - "Marriages" -
" Edward Downs & Rhoda Billings. - March ninth one thousand seven hundred and eighty -
I Leonard Everett of Canton (formerly a part of the Town of Scituate) in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts hereby certify, that , that I have in my custody and keeping, sundry Church Records of said towns of Scituate and Canton, and that the foregoing Extract showing the Marriage of Edward Downs and Rhoda Billings, is a true copy of the Church record thereof in my possession with the Exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair legible letters and figures as follows, viz.
" Mar. 9, 1780 "
Attest Leonard Everett Parish Clerk (in Canton)
I Leonard Everett above named depose and say - that I hold at this time, the office of Parish Clerk in the Town, County and State aforesaid; and that the above, Extract is a true Extract from the said Church Records, with the exception above named, as certified by me.
Leonard Everett Parish Clerk (in Canton)
State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk ss.
February 20 th 1841. Then Leonard Everett Parish Clerk of the town of Canton in said County and a credible Witness, subscribed to, and made Oath, that the matter by him certified and set forth in the foregoing statements, so subscribed by him, is just and true.
Before me W m Gellis Justice of the Peace
N.B. The words "that" and "Extract" in the above Instrument were erased by me before the same was subscribed or authenticated - W m Gellis

Testimonial Evidence in aid of the claim of Rhoda Biseby herewith transmitted

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston March 25 th 1841
I hereby Certify, That Augustus Pea- body is a justice of the Peace for the County of Suffolk, — and that William Ellis is a justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk, (and they have been such for the three months last past.)
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to their acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John D. Sleeper
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

To whom it may concern
I P. H. Bixby of Francestown in the County of Hillsborough and State of New Hampshire, being of lawful age hereby testify and say, that I was personally acquainted with Thomas Bixby the late husband of Rhoda Bixby, for several years before his death; that said Thomas Bixby died at said Francestown some time in the winter season of the year 1827. And I further say that I am knowing to the fact, that said Rhoda Bixby has not inter married since the death of her said husband, but remains the widow of said Thomas Bixby at the present time, and resides in said Francestown.
Attest Augustus Peabody.
P. H. Bixby
State of Massachusetts
Suffolk County ss. Personally appeared the
above named P. H. Bixby, a member of the Legislature of the State of New Hampshire and known to me to be a credible witness, and made solemn oath that the foregoing declaration by him subscribed is true, this 24 th of March A. D. 1841. Before me Augustus Peabody Justice of the Peace for said County

I John Endicott of Dedham in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts, being in the seventy eighth year of my age hereby testify and say, that in the year 1775, and some years afterwards, I resided but a little distance from, and was personally acquainted with, Edward Downs formerly of that part of Houghton, now Canton Mass., and late of Princetown in the State of New Hampshire dec.. And I further say, that my late father, Capt. James Endicott dec. commanded a military Company call'd minute men during the first year of the Revolutionary War, And I also know the fact, that said Capt. James Endicott and his Company, turned out on the first day of the war April 19 th A.D. 1775, and went from home into the service of the Country, and performed considerable service at the Camp, in the vicinity of Boston, between April 19 th 1775, and the time the Enemy left Boston in the month of March A.D. 1776, but (as I believe,) this Company did not serve constantly for the whole of that period, but had occasionally a respite from this service; and I know the fact, that said minute Company did serve as aforesaid, because I several times; I think six or seven times, visited and carried down provisions or supplies to my said father Capt. James Endicott and his Company, when in service at the Camp, in the vicinity of Boston, when the Enemy had possession of that place; And on three of these times, I distinctly recollect when and where I delivered these articles of supplies to my said father and his minute company, viz. once at what was call'd the Coddington House, (and it is yet standing), on the Southerly side of Roxbury Hill in the town of Roxbury, in the month of April 1775, and within the first week after the Lexington alarm; - once I delivered these articles at Prospect Hill within the limits of Charlestown, where said company was then stationed, being the next day after Bunker Hill Battle, which makes the time June 18 th 1775, and once I delivered these supplies to said minute Company at Dorchester Hill in the town of Dorchester, in the month of March, but few days before the Enemy evacuated Boston in the year 1776.
And I further testify and say, that according to my best recollection and confident belief; the said Edward Downs served either as a Sergeant or Corporal, in said Capt. James Endicott's Company of minute men, in the vicinity of Boston; during its services aforesaid, but having no Rolls or Documents in my possession concerning this service, I am unable to state or determine the amount of military service said Edward Downs rendered in said minute Company in its service of 1775-6.
And I further say, that said Capt. James Endicott left home some time in the Summer of 1776, with a Company of Men and went into the service of the Country, and as I then and since understood, performed some four or five months military service at Tienderoga in the State of New York, but I can not bring any circumstance to mind which would authorise me to say, that the said Edward Downs did or did not serve, in this Campaign.
And I further say, that according to my own recollection, the said Edward Downs sometime during the Revolutionary War, married to a young woman, then living in my said father's neighborhood in Houghton, by the name of Rhoda Billings, who was very near my own age.
John Endicott
State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk ss
February 20 th - 1841 - Then the Hon. John Endicott above named, late of the Executive Council of Massachusetts and a credible Witness, subscribed to, and made Oath, that the matter set forth in the foregoing statement by him so subscribed is True.
Reference. 1775-76 Elis Justice John B. Russell Note. The interlined words above, viz. "the" "a" "these" "said Edward Downs" were inserted by me before this Affidavit was subscribed and authenticated. W. Ellis

I Oliver Downs of Canton in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts being seventy four years of age hereby testify and say that in the year 1777, and several years afterwards, I was personally acquainted with Edward Downs formerly of Houghton Mass ts and late of Francesstown in the State of New Hampshire etc. And I further testify and say, that I am knowing to the fact, that late in the Autumn or in the early part of Winter in the year 1777, the said Edward Downs left his home, and as he then informed me and as I have ever since understood, went into the service of the Country to guard the troops of General Burgoyne, then Prisoners of war at, or near Cambridge in Massachusetts, and my confident belief is, that said Downs went into this service and performed the services therein in the Capacity of Ensign, I distinctly recollect that while in this service, the said Edward Downs once or twice returned, and remained at home for a day or two on furlough, and then returned back to Camp, and while at home on furlough, I well remember said Downs related several circumstances in relation to the Character and conduct he had witnessed among said Prisoners, That according to my best recollection and belief, the said Edward Downs began this service the latter part of November A.D. 1777, and remained in service at the Camp till said Prisoners were removed to Rutland in the County of Worcester, which I believe took place near the last of April or in May A.D. 1778 - and my belief is, that he the said Downs was absent in this service not less than five months; and one reason why I remember this service is, I distinctly recollect that I had the care and charge of some cattle which belonged to said Edward Downs, during the winter while he was absent at Cambridge in the service aforesaid.
Oliver Downs
State of Massachusetts Norfolk County - ss - February 20 th - 1841. Then the above named Oliver Downs long known to the Subscriber as a credible Witness, subscribed to, and made Oath that the matter set forth in the foregoing statement by him so subscribed, is True -.
Before me Wm. Ellis Justice of the Peace

I Joanna French of Canton in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts, being in the seventieth year of my age, hereby testify and say, that in the year 1780, the year of the great Snow in Massachusetts, I resided in the same House in Stoughton where Edward Downs resided at that time, and for some years afterwards, that I was personally acquainted with said Edward Downs at that time, and until he removed to Francetown in the State of New Hampshire, where as I have been informed, he died about forty years ago, And I further say that I well remember that the said Edward Downs married to a young Lady by the name of Rhoda Billings, and according to my best recollection this marriage took place either in the winter or Spring of the same year above mentioned viz 1780.
And I further testify and say, that I distinctly recollect, that either the next year, or next but one, after said said Downs's marriage as aforesaid; he the said Edward Downs left his home and went into the military service of the country to some place down by Hingham at Massachusetts Bay, and remained from home; (and as I believe, in said service) for a term of six or eight weeks, but of the precise length of this service, I am not positive, and from the following circumstances I believe the said Edward Downs performed the aforesaid service, in the capacity of a Lieutenant, viz: That I clearly recollect, that a short time after said Edward Downs returned home from this said tour of service, a number of men called at said Downs's residence, (the same house where I then lived) and enquired for Lieutenant Downs, who happened not to be at home when they called, and I well recollect, that some of these men then stated, that they had served as Soldiers under said Downs, that they had been well treated by him, and wished to see him.
Joanna French
State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk ss
February 20 th 1841. Then the above named Joanna French a credible Witness, subscribed to, and made Oath, that the matter set forth in the foregoing statement by her so subscribed, is, according to her best recollection and confident belief, true, in every part thereof.
Before me
Wm. Colis Justice of the Peace Wm. Colis
N.B. The word "Seventieth" in the third line from the top was corrected by me, before the above affidavit was authenticated

Jesse Billings of Deerfield in the County of Franklin & Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age, being of the age of seventy four years. testify and say that I was personally acquainted with Edward Dorons, who was the former husband of Widow Rhoda Bixby, my acquaintance with the said Dorons was from my childhood during the life of the said Dorons. That in the year of our Lord seventeen hundred and eighty two the said Edward Dorons, enlisted into the service of the United States as Ensign of the Massachusetts Militia and continued to serve as such in the Revolutionary War for the term of about four weeks. I was with the said Ensign Edward Dorons during said service in the capacity of waiting for him. The said Edward Dorons at the time of said enlistment resided in the Town of Stoughton (now called Canton) in Massachusetts, & went with a Compa- ny of Massachusetts Militia commanded by Lieut. Beals to Nantasket in Massachusetts, where he remained with said Company in the ser- vice aforesaid for the time aforesaid.
Jesse Billings

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Franklin ss. Greenfield November 7/41. 1839.
Then personally ap- pearing Jesse Billings, who I hereby certify from evidence before me, is a credible witness, and made oath that the deposition by him subscribed contains the truth & nothing but the truth - Before me
Horatio G. Newcomb Justice of the Peace for the County of Franklin -
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Franklin ss. I Elijah Alvord, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the county of Franklin do hereby certify that Horatio G. Newcomb is a Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly commissioned & qualified and that the above signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said court, at Greenfield in said county, this seventh day of November A. D. 1839
E. Alvord Clerk

Rev WIDOW, &c.
No. 15984
Rhoda Kirby Widow of Edward Downs Lieut Genl War
Act July 4 th 86
Box: Vol. A , Page 63
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Further evidence in the case of Rhoda Bixby

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston June 22 d 1841.
I hereby Certify , That William Ellis is now and has been for the three months last past a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk,
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John D. Sleeper
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

I James Capen of Houghton in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts being eighty four years of age hereby testify and say, that in the year 1776 and some years afterwards, I was personally acquainted with Edward Downs then of said Houghton and late a resident in the State of New Hampshire etc. and I further say, that I am knowing to the fact, that said Edward Downs served as a Lieutenant or Ensign or some officer for a term of five or three weeks in the revolutionary war, at Castle Island in Massachusetts Bay, in a company commanded by Capt. Robert Swan, that this term of military service was rendered in the month of December A.D. 1776; and the reason why I know these facts, are because I served as a soldier for the same period of time in said Capt. Robert Swan's Company with the said Edward Downs, and distinctly recollect of being in this service, on Christmas day, December 25 th A.D. 1776.
James Capen
State of Massachusetts Norfolk County SS
June 21 st 1841. Then personally appeared the above named James Capen a man of known respectability and a credible witness, subscribed to and made oath that the matter set forth in the foregoing statement by him so subscribed, is true.
Before me W m Ellis - Justice of Peace.
Note. - The interlined words "or some officer" were inserted by me in the above Affidavit, before the same was signed or authenticated - W m Ellis

I Asa Waters of Stoughton in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts, being eighty years of age, hereby testify and say, that in the year 1777 and several years afterwards, I was personally acquainted with Edward Downs formerly of said Stoughton and late of Groenestown in the state of New Hampshire dec.; and And I further testify and say, that I am knowing to the fact, that said Edward Downs served several months, I believe for a term of five months, at Cambridge near Boston guarding the troops of General Burgoyne when prisoners of war at that place, that said Downs while in this service, acted in the Capacity of Ensign or Sergeant. I am not positive which; in Capt Moses Adams' Company. Col. Brooks Regiment, that this term of service began as near as I can recollect about the middle of November A.D. 1777, and ended about the middle of April A.D. 1778, and the reason I know the facts above stated is, because I served as a Soldier in said Capt Moses Adams Company, during the the said Guard Service with said Downs at Cambridge, in this tour of military duty, of 1777-8—.
Asa Waters
State of Massachusetts Norfolk County - SS -
May 26 th 1841. Then personally appeared the above named Asa Waters a man of sound mind and memory and a credible Witness, and subscribed to and made Oath, that the matter set forth in the foregoing statement by him so subscribed, is true in every part thereof.
Before me Agassiz M c Ellis Justice of the Peace.

Amendatory declaration of Rhoda Bixby L
Please to report the result to the subscriber at Dedham Mass tt.
"Agassiz" "Ellis"

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE.
I JOSIAH STEVENS, JR. Secretary of the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Titus Brown — is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Hillsborough duly Commissioned and qualified; that his Commission was dated on the nineteenth day of May — 1840 and will expire on the nineteenth day of May — 1845 and that his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine.
Given under my hand and the Seal of said State this thirteenth day of June 1841 —
Josiah Stevens Secretary of State.

I Rhoda Bixby of Francestown in the county of Hillsborough & State of New Hampshire, widow, being seventy eight years of age, hereby, in addition to, and amendment of, my declaration for a pension forwarded to the United States Pension Department on the 20th day of March A.D. 1841, further declare & say, that my first husband, Edward Downs deceased, to whom I was lawfully married as set forth in my said declaration, performed, as I verily believe, one term of service in the Revolutionary War which for the reason that it had not come to my knowledge when I made my said declaration was not mentioned or claimed for therein; to wit. Two weeks military service in the capacity of alien-tenant, or of Ensign, at Castle Island, now Fort Independence, in the company of Capt. Robert Swan, that this term of service was rendered in the month of December 1776. Wherefore I respectfully request that said term of service may be considered, and allowed for, with, & in addition to the service mentioned & claimed for in said declaration.
Rhoda Bixby
State of New Hampshire. Hillsborough County ss. On the 31 st day of May, 1841. Rhoda Bixby above named personally appeared & made oath in due form of law to the truth of the foregoing declaration by her subscribed. Before me, Titus Brown Justice of the Peace.

RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Briefed by F. W. Mch. 11, 1911.
Claim No. _____
Certificate No. _____
Claimant _____
Soldier Thomas Pixby
Service _____
Additional Service _____ Rev. War.
No claim, State records , 190_____
No claim, combination records , 190_____
REMARKS:
No claim as above. No Surv., Reg. or Wid. claim.

Rhoda Pixby formerly widow of Edward Downs who died 1799 m. 1780.
75 of. 3. 15 Jas. Endicott Col. M c Intosh Reg. #76. Pen. 148. R. Swan. Recd. 78. 5. as in. in the Guard at Cambridge 82 1 1/2. Lt. Boston & Brels. Ashley then of Stoughton Mass.
Vol. 12 p 78 10 days 1775 " 19 p. 5 Sergeant 5 days do. 1776 at Dorchester Heights
Vol 29 p 253 over - paid March 1783 paid Downey J. 9 18 0
   9 18        920        6/198  33 1/2  1 mo 7 days  Set 1 7     15  26 1/2  4 28 1/2  Sept 5 13 1/2    253  18  63 3  5     1337    10  for 10    666           Om 20  7 = 04       14 50 1/2  14 50    # 1st 25 p 27. "Sergeant"    7. 04  11 18    Set 70"      

Walti Ewuld h 48. Swan, Co
Raw Farm

Pat Capen - Pat Downs in Capen - Cap R. Swan Dec 760
As a study - Morn & day 77
Vol 17 p 12 Sept 2 mo 28
from Nov 5 77 Roll made on 2-17-78
page 22 2 mo Sept from June 3 77
pn ————— 10
Seaf —
from Jan 11 77 1 Oct 78
in vol Vol 17 p 210 RL
pn Then March 7 Castle Island Cap Swan Battle Island 3 rd Co Pawos Downs, Sev.
Vol 25 p 27

No. 5341. Letter to Wm. Ellis 24 Ap r '41 " " Hon. W. Parmelee Aug. 18. 1841 }
Act July 4. 1836.

Rhoda Bixby fam y mid. of Edward Downs Mass. N.Y.C.
Set July 4. 1836
Married 1780.
dead 1797
Allow 1 mo 7 ds Quits 16.44
5.17 days 5 28.17
10 pri. 1.10
Mass. militia. Capt. Swan 45.71
Col. Weld. 45.71 per anno.
William Ellis Esq
Dedham
Mass.

James L. Edwards Esq. Washington City

Dedham Mass tt March 26 th - 1841.
Mr Edwards
Sir.
Hewith is transmitted the Pension application of Rhoda Bisby of Franestown in the State of New Hampshire, which it appears she has been laboring to get forward for the last three or four years, but has not been able to offer it till now - if further Explanations be necessary, I will give them to the best of my knowledge on the subject. Mrs Bisby requests that the result of her Application may be made to me at Dedham Mass tt . From inquiry it appears that the claimant is a woman who stands in need and sustains a good reputation in the neighborhood where she resides -
I am Sir, very Respectfully your Obe t Servant
James L. Edwards Esq. Washington City
W m Ellis

Rev Nov 18
James L. Edwards Esq. U.S. Com r of Pensions Washington City
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]

Dedham Mass
June 24 1841.
Mr Edwards
Sir A few weeks since, I received your letter in relation to the claim of Rhoda Bisby who was the Widow of Edward Downs dec, and wherein you admit that said Downs served 15 days as a Sergeant and private in Capt James Endicott's company in the year 1775-6 - also that said Downs served as Lieutenant for a term of one month & seven days in the Company of Capt Daniel Baxter, in the year 1782. you further remark that as the Claimant had not furnished the name of the Captain under whom said Edward Downs is claimed to have served as Ensign at Cambridge in the year 1777-8 - for a term of five months, no proofs had been found to establish that service, - and herewith is transmitted the deposition of Capt Asa Waters, which I trust will be sufficient to sustain that term of 1777-8. Also is herewith transmitted the Claimants amendatory declaration for two or three weeks of said Edward Downs service, as an Officer in the Company of Capt Robert Swan in the Month of December 1776 - with Affidavit of James Caper in proof of that term - It would seem there must be some mistake with regard to the 15 days service in Capt James Endicott's Company, if thereby we are to understand that this 15 days service is all that was rendered by the said Capt James Endicott and his minute Company during the first eleven months of the Revolutionary war; as Capt James Endicott was one of the well known Sons of Liberty at that day, who with zeal and spirit raised a Company of minute men and drill'd them to service in the winter previous to the commencement of hostilities, and by the evidence in this case, it is admitted that Capt Endicott with his Company moved to the scene of action on the first day of the war. That he was found in the service at Prospect Hill in Charlestown on the morning after Bunker Hill Battle, and likewise at Dorchester Heights when they were fortified in one night's service, by Washington, in March 1776 - to the

astonishment of the Enemy, Capt. Endicott with the same or another Company likewise, as is well known, performed a tour of several months at Tyconderoga in the year 1776 - Capt Endicott was a man respected by the public, the performed acceptably, the judicuary duties of Judge on the common pleas Bench for many years after the close of the war, - and it would seem almost impossible, that Capt Endicott and his select volunteer Company, should not, during the period of Eleven months viz between April 19 1775, the first day of Hostilities, and the 17 th of March 1776 - when the Enemy evacuated Boston, have performed no more than 15 days service, when their place of Residence residence was no more than nine or ten miles from the Camp, where many interesting scenes of Action occurred during the period aforesaid. Since the receipt of your letter, I took occasion to ask the opinion of the Hon. John Endicott (whose testimony you have in the case) as to the time amount of service rendered by his father the said Capt James Endicott and his Company in 1775-6 - he answered as his belief that this service was not less than from ten to fifteen weeks - I do not offer these things as evidence but merely to show my grounds of conclusion, that if the Rolls at the department, show but 15 days service rendered by this Volunteer Company under Capt Endicott in 1775-6 - that there is good reason to believe that a part of Capt Endicott's Rolls have been lost or overlooked - On the other hand, if these Rolls shew that said Captain Endicott and Company, rendered considerable more service than 15 days, and that said Edward Downs served only 15 days, the whole matter is reconciled - -
One word on another point, There seems to be some plausible tradition from the Claimant and her friends, that the said Edward Downs served as Sergeant or Ensign in the Company of Capt. Abner Crane at Little Compton in the State of Rhode Island for three months, in the summer & Autumn of the year 1777 - but no evidence to be depended upon has been furnished, nor do I know of any member of Capt Cranes Company among the living to testify to the fact. It is well known, that Capt Abner Crane commanded a Company at Rhode Island in the year 1777, and if said Edward Downs did serve at R.I. that year, it is more than probable that he served in Capt Abner Cranes Company as as they were neighbors to each other when

When at home, and Sir, if the rules and regulations of your Department authorize it, I should be glad just to be informed, whether the name of Edward Dorens is borne on Capt. Abner Crane's Roll of a tour of service, rendered at Little Compton in the State of Rhode Island in the Summer and Autumn of the year, 1777-? If it be proper and consistent with your rules to answer this question, I trust it will be done before the final decision is made on the whole claim —.
I am Sir, very Respectfully
James L. Edwards Esq. Washington City
your Ob dt Servant W m G. Ellis
at R F p re 11/11/78 — C. Perry 13 Oct. 78
of 1777- along in